MBB FT Choices

Hi everyone,

I'm an undergrad senior and I’d appreciate some advice on office selection for 2027 full-time recruiting at McKinsey and Bain.

My current choices are:

McKinsey: Dubai, London, Taipei
Bain: Dubai, London, Hong Kong

I have personal and professional ties across Asia and the Middle East, as well as viable work-authorization routes for all of these locations.

I previously reached the final round for a McKinsey summer internship in a Greater China office but did not receive an offer. While this may suggest some degree of fit with the office, the final-round experience left me uncertain about reapplying there. I have also heard mixed views on the Greater China consulting outlook.

My medium-term goal is to work for several years, pursue a US MBA, and ideally recruit for opportunities in the US afterward. I am therefore optimizing for project quality, professional development, brand value, and international mobility.

My current thinking:

Dubai: Strong regional fit and broad EMEA exposure, but I have heard that Middle East consulting experience may be discounted in US recruiting.

London: Potentially the most internationally transferable, but likely the most competitive. I am also unsure how the weak UK economic outlook is affecting hiring.

Taipei: Possibly better recruiting odds, but I have concerns about project variety, the Greater China outlook, and international mobility.

Hong Kong: An option for Bain, although I am uncertain about the current project pipeline and long-term office outlook.

I would particularly appreciate views on:

1. Which office would be the strongest platform for a future US MBA and US recruiting?
2. Is Middle East consulting experience genuinely discounted?
3. Should reaching a Greater China summer final round influence my office selection?
4. How would you rank these offices for each firm?

Thanks in advance.